The global economy remains fragile, and shipbuilding is feeling the pressure. The sector’s transformation towards decarbonisation is urgent, but it is happening in an environment of high uncertainty. One clear concern dominates: the growing dominance of China. China accounted for 69% of global ship orders and over half of the market share in 2024. This concentration raises serious alarms for industrial balance and fair competition. However, China’s success is not by chance: it results from deliberate and extensive state support, including smart shipbuilding parks, R&D funding, and protectionist policies. By contrast, European shipbuilding operates in an environment with no targeted industrial support, exposing workers and companies to unfair competition. 

The maritime sector’s decarbonisation remains a central priority for the OECD. IndustriAll Europe welcomes the progress under the International Maritime Organization (IMO), (See here our reaction). Meanwhile, the global demand for crude oil ships is still increasing, highlighting the gap between green ambitions and market realities. Labour and material costs remain volatile, with ship prices up 25% compared to 2011. Shipbuilding needs massive investment to decarbonise fleets, retrofit ports, and develop net-zero vessels. Without public support and targeted policies, European shipyards risk falling even further behind. 

Isabelle Barthès, Deputy General Secretary, stresses: “Green transition and industrial resilience must go hand in hand. Public investments are needed in order to promote a resilient, fair and sustainable future for European industry and quality employment. Failing to act could pose significant economic security risks and threaten Europe's strategic autonomy and technological sovereignty. Public investments, however, should be linked to social conditionalities that ensure fair wages, quality jobs, and worker participation, exactly as outlined in our upcoming position for the new EU Industrial Maritime Strategy. This approach would prevent funds from being used for projects like building or retrofitting vessels in Asian shipyards, especially when these vessels are intended for European use.